Shakespeare's Head, London – 47 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Shakespeare's Head -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 47 user ratings

Africa House, 64-68 Kingsway

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

Located at Africa House on Kingsway, Shakespeare's Head is the closest Wetherspoons to the London School of Economics and Political Science, making it a prime spot for students looking for a casual yet lively night out. This venue has established itself as a go-to place for many students, thanks to its welcoming environment and friendly crowd. With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5, it’s clear that many students find it to be a solid choice for socializing and enjoying a night out with friends.

The atmosphere at Shakespeare's Head is often described as relaxed and inclusive. Students frequently mention that it’s a chill spot where one can unwind after a long day. The vibe is friendly, with many reviewers noting that the crowd tends to be laid-back and non-judgmental. This makes it an ideal place for first-year students or anyone looking to meet new people without the pressure of a more intense nightlife scene. The comfortable seating and the overall ambiance contribute to a setting that feels inviting, allowing for easy conversations and a good time with friends.

Music plays a significant role in the experience at Shakespeare's Head, with students appreciating the volume and variety. Reviewers have noted that the music is at just the right level, allowing for conversation without needing to shout. This balance helps create a pleasant environment where students can enjoy the tunes while still engaging with their friends. Many students have mentioned that the music and atmosphere combined make for a brilliant night out, enhancing the overall experience.

When it comes to drinks, Shakespeare's Head is known for its fairly priced offerings, aligning well with the student budget. While some reviews suggest that it might not be the cheapest option around, many feel that the atmosphere and overall experience justify the prices. The venue also features a good selection of drinks that cater to various preferences, making it easy for students to find something they enjoy. This, combined with the friendly service from the staff, adds to the positive experiences shared by patrons.

The queue and entry experience at Shakespeare's Head have received positive feedback from students. Many have commented on the quick entry process, with door staff being described as chill and efficient, setting a good tone for the night ahead. This aspect is particularly appreciated, as it allows students to get into the venue without unnecessary delays, which can often be a downside at other nightlife spots.

Students have shared a range of experiences at Shakespeare's Head, with many highlighting the social aspect of their nights out. It’s common to hear that the venue has a good mix of people, which makes it easy to strike up conversations and meet new mates. The inclusive atmosphere has been praised, with many noting that it feels like a safe space to relax and enjoy oneself. However, some reviews do indicate that the experience can be hit or miss, with certain nights being more lively than others. This unpredictability can be part of the charm, but it's worth noting for those looking for a consistently high-energy experience.

In terms of who this venue suits best, Shakespeare's Head is ideal for students looking for a laid-back night out with friends. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a social atmosphere without the pressure of a club scene. Whether you're looking to chill after classes or kick back with friends on a weekend, this pub offers a welcoming environment that caters to a variety of social needs.

However, there are a few caveats to consider. While many students appreciate the relaxed vibe, some may find it too low-key on certain nights. It’s not always the most vibrant option, especially if you’re looking for a high-energy party atmosphere. Additionally, while the crowd is generally friendly, there can be nights where the energy feels a bit flat, making it less exciting for those seeking a more dynamic experience. Lastly, although the venue is well-rated for cleanliness, some students have indicated that it can get a bit crowded, especially during peak times, which might detract from the overall experience.

In summary, Shakespeare's Head is a highly rated venue that offers a good balance of atmosphere, music, and friendly faces. It’s particularly suitable for students who appreciate a chill night out with the option to socialize and unwind. With its convenient location near LSE, it’s a spot that many students find themselves returning to time and again, making it a staple in the student nightlife scene in London.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, perfect for socializing.
  • Good music at an appropriate volume for conversation.
  • Fairly priced drinks that cater to student budgets.
  • Quick entry process with friendly door staff.
  • Comfortable seating and chill vibe for hanging out.
  • A good mix of people, making it easy to meet new friends.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Experience can be hit or miss; some nights are quieter than others.
  • Not the cheapest option available, though the atmosphere justifies it.
  • Can feel crowded at peak times, which may detract from the experience.
  • Some students find it too low-key if they are looking for a high-energy night.
  • Occasional variability in the vibe, leading to less excitement on some nights.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed and friendly venue to unwind with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, suitable for a laid-back night out.
  • The queue is generally quick, especially on weekdays.
  • Expect a good mix of music, but it's not a dance club.
  • Seating is comfortable, making it a great spot to hang out for a while.
  • Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot.

❓ Common Questions

What is Shakespeare's Head like?

It's a relaxed pub with a chill atmosphere, perfect for socializing and unwinding.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally quick, especially on weekdays.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, many feel the atmosphere and experience make it worth it.

What music does Shakespeare's Head play?

The music is varied and at a volume suitable for conversation.

What type of crowd can I expect?

A friendly and inclusive mix of students, making it easy to meet new people.

Reviews
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The music's always on point and the vibe's chill. drinks are reasonably priced, plus there are some good deals to take advantage of. it stays open late enough to keep the night going, which is a bonus.
By user153759 on Mar 31st 2026
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Queue was quick and drinks were fairly priced. the music was good, just the right volume to chat while enjoying the night. the vibe was relaxed and the crowd was friendly, making it an enjoyable place to spend time with friends.
By user188571 on Mar 27th 2026
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Location's really good. you just feel like you can relax and enjoy yourself without any stress.
By user869410 on Mar 24th 2026
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It's a solid spot for student nights, can't go wrong if you're looking to party with friends.
By user976740 on Mar 19th 2026
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It's a chill spot to hang out for a bit but nothing too special
By user723068 on Mar 16th 2026
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Place can be hit or miss, sometimes it's a blast and other times it's just kinda whatever
By user198956 on Mar 11th 2026
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Seating is comfy and the place has a chill atmosphere, which is nice when you wanna hang out.
By user588931 on Mar 9th 2026
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Sound bar staff and good crowd make it a 10/10 night.
By user577863 on Mar 8th 2026
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Everything just clicked and it was a really good night.
By user709364 on Mar 7th 2026
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Felt super inclusive every time, no one judging anyone which was cool.
By user871140 on Mar 6th 2026
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A really chill spot to hang out and relax after a long day. it's become my go-to place this year.
By user200539 on Mar 5th 2026
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It's a good spot for a relaxed night out with friends. just what you need to unwind a bit.
By user326882 on Mar 4th 2026
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The crowd's always cool at shakespeare's head, never any drama. that makes it a solid choice for a night out.
By user781074 on Feb 25th 2026
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People were chill and friendly, made the night way more enjoyable. ended up chatting with loads of them 🍻
By user913693 on Feb 24th 2026
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Place's got a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out with friends. you can chat without having to shout over the music.
By user743633 on Feb 22nd 2026
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There's always something going on, it's got a nice energy ⚡️
By user743325 on Feb 20th 2026
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The kind of night that just puts you in a great mood.
By user269954 on Feb 19th 2026
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Door staff were chill, no stress getting in. really sets the tone for the night.
By user817453 on Feb 18th 2026
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The atmosphere here is pretty chill and the staff are usually friendly. never had an issue while hanging out.
By user910222 on Feb 17th 2026
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Good mix of people here, everyone’s really friendly. made it easy to chat and meet new mates.
By user342976 on Feb 16th 2026
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Not the cheapest spot, but the atmosphere really makes it worth it. you're getting more than just a standard night out.
By user252975 on Feb 15th 2026
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Not the calmest place but that's part of the charm. wouldn't want it any other way, really.
By user174630 on Feb 14th 2026
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The atmosphere is chill and you can just sit back and relax with friends. that's all you want sometimes
By user135615 on Feb 13th 2026
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It's a cool place for hanging out during the day or hitting up at night. not a big deal either way.
By user846310 on Feb 9th 2026
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First year wouldn’t have been the same without a good night out at shakespeare's head. this place nailed it from start to finish
By user445723 on Feb 1st 2026
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Met loads of new mates every time I've been, it’s just that kind of place.
By user757475 on Jan 26th 2026
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One of those nights that flies by because you’re having fun.
By user723634 on Jan 22nd 2026
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It's got a good balance of energy and safety, which is nice most nights but can feel a bit much sometimes
By user662890 on Jan 18th 2026
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The setting's pretty cool and the crowd's decent. just a better atmosphere to hang out in.
By user560155 on Jan 14th 2026
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user515100 on Jan 10th 2026
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Nice place to hang out without it being too intense.
By user582299 on Jan 7th 2026
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Everyone’s just in a good mood and having a dance, which makes it a fun night out. it’s all about the atmosphere, not just the drinks.
By user179547 on Jan 2nd 2026
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Every time I come here it’s either a good time or just kinda meh, depends on the crowd
By user282709 on Dec 30th 2025
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Music's the main thing. it really gets everyone up and dancing.
By user875120 on Dec 25th 2025
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Stumbled in and had a really smooth night the whole way through. would go back for sure
By user167485 on Dec 21st 2025
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Been a few times and it hits different every time. can see myself coming back for sure 😄
By user524084 on Dec 17th 2025
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Atmosphere hits different every time. left buzzing and ready for more ⚡️
By user659001 on Dec 12th 2025
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Had a good time with friends and the atmosphere was chill. that’s what it’s all about
By user888256 on Dec 6th 2025
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Everyone was really friendly and it felt easy to just hang out. no awkwardness at all
By user628930 on Dec 2nd 2025
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There's enough space to move around without feeling squished. it's a nice balance for a night out.
By user372877 on Nov 27th 2025
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Close enough for a laugh but far enough to forget the awkward moments
By user890592 on Nov 23rd 2025
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The crowd's pretty relaxed, which makes the night go by smoother or kinda boring depending on the mood.
By user421481 on Nov 17th 2025
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The atmosphere's just right for a night out. you can always count on a good time with friends.
By user167354 on Nov 10th 2025
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Music was really good and the staff were friendly. can't ask for much more than that.
By user976858 on Nov 3rd 2025
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Music hits different and keeps you on the dance floor all night, so you’re getting your money's worth.
By user531764 on Oct 29th 2025
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By user384772 on Dec 30th 2023
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The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, creating the perfect backdrop for a great evening. The food was exceptional, offering a delightful mix of flavors. Additionally, the beer selection was diverse and of high quality . I highly recommend this pub for a memorable and enjoyable time.
By user289020 on Dec 29th 2023